As new regions learn about the benefits of sustainable agriculture, the local food movement is spreading like wild fire. But many don't realize that a key part of local food is also local ownership of food businesses. A new study set out to investigate this relationship between a community's local food and their economy. The research team recognized 24 "community food enterprises" from around the world, who are innovative examples of this successful correlation. The results overwhelmingly proved that a local food system is a powerful competitive advantage for every consumer and business, alike. 12 businesses were chosen from the United States, including the White Dog Café, located in Philadelphia Pennsylvania.

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Among the many findings, this assessment has shown that:

-A local food economy spurs better stewardship, community spirit, and social change in an area
-Local food and ownership also stimulates local income, wealth, jobs, taxes, charitable contributions, tourism, and entrepreneurship

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More results and findings are located at the Community Food Enterprise website. You can also find more background information about our local CFE, The White Dog Café, on the site as well.

One of the great aspects of farming is the sense of community built between the farmers and consumers. A new grassroots campaign, Crop Mob, is building upon this concept by matching landless farmers together to effectively harvest land. This allows these farmers, many of whom are young and new to the profession, to build relationships they wouldn't otherwise have.

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"It's great to meet other people who have the same challenges and just network and build community," said Jennie Rasmussen, one of the Crop Mob farmers.

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Starting a Crop Mob in your area is easy! Check out this link to find out how you can get started. If travelling is an issue, no worries: all you need are a few buddies and a plot of land and you can start "mobbing" today.

It's already half over but we just heard about this: a week's worth of events are taking place right now on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, all focused on sustainability and food justice issues. Here's a sampling:

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• February 3: Mind the Food Gap; dinner and conversation on food justice in Philadelphia; Sustainable food will be served; 6-7:30 p.m. 

• February 4: Food and You: Health and Nutrition; Q&A seminar and luncheon featuring sustainable food with dietician Dr. Stella Volpe; noon-1:30 p.m.

• February 5: Food Inc.: Hungry for Change Film Screening; Food, Inc. 6:30-8:30 p.m.

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The series is sponsored by Bon Appétit, the company that manages the food service for U Penn, along with a number of student groups.  Complete schedule here.  All events are free and open to the public.